Miyuki Uchimura Hickman was born on August 1, 1929 to Kifu and Yukiguma Uchimura in the city of Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan.
William (Bill) Charles Hickman met Miyuki in 1952 while stationed in Japan as a member of the United States Army. During his service in Japan, Bill courted Miyuki by meeting her family and seeing the beautiful town and countryside that she grew up in. The courtship was filled with notable moments but two moments stand out. Bill had checked out an Army Jeep to go out to the countryside with the locals to collect charcoal. He had permission from his commander to bring Miyuki along for the ride. Bill told Miyuki that they were going for ride but she did not want to go. While the locals were collecting charcoal, Miyuki and Bill went for a ride in the country. Bill proceeded to drive the Jeep into a hole which bounced Miyuki out of her seat and she landed on top of Bill. The hole was on a former training range that still had unexploded rounds. The locals helped get the Jeep out of the hole and Miyuki was not very happy with Bill. The other was a romantic boat ride that ended with a stranded boat. Miyuki just shook her head and laughed when those memories came to mind.
In early 1953, Bill went back to the States and then returned to Japan as a civilian. Miyuki and Bill were married at the American Consulate in Fukuoka, Japan on June 22, 1953.
Miyuki and Bill started the journey of their life together by taking the freighter, Ocean Mail, to the United States. Upon arriving, they made their home in Montana. Two years later, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Cecelia Hickman and again, two years later by the birth of their son, Clay Hickman.
Just as she lived her entire life, Miyuki embraced her new life in a different culture with kindness and generosity and an open heart and open mind.
Miyuki studied hard to learn about her new home and became a naturalized citizen on July 18, 1969.
Throughout her life, Miyuki touched people with her kindness and warmth. She made life long friends wherever she went.
Miyuki was an experienced and talented seamstress and enjoyed gathering with her friends in their sewing club. She and Bill also enjoyed gardening. Her granddaughter Lindsay so treasures the time with her grandma and grandpa in their garden, that she planted a garden so that her two boys could experience the same joy.
Miyuki is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Bill, her two children Cecelia and Clay, her granddaughter Lindsay Trent, Lindsay’s husband Clarence Trent and her two great grandsons, Zakai and Kiyan.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Martin D Halvorson says
Miyuki and my mom were good friends. Her son Clay and I are close friends to this day. I will never forget her or the magnificent Christmas cookies she delivered, made with loving hands, to our door step each Christmas season.
Patti and Matt says
That was a wonderful tribute to a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Cece, you gave your mom a wonderful gift. She was home with the family. I’m sure you and your brother gave both your parents joy and peace.
Allan & Carol Merlau says
So sorry to hear of Miyuki passing she will be missed. She and my deceased wife Nancy (Shizuyo) were good friends for many years. They even took a trip back to Japan together once in the early 1970’s and had a wonderful time there! We want you to know your family are in our prayers and we send you our deepest condolences. May god keep you in His loving arms as you go through this time of loss.
Bill Coddington says
My condolences to all of the Hickman family. I had both Clay and Cecelia in school and always enjoyed what little I was able to spend with the parents – sweet lady she was.